BRIGHT SPOTS

Your weekly source of learner-centered inspiration

Dear Educator,

Grading, documenting, and reporting of those grades are the cornerstones of teaching, but not always of learning. In fact, authentic learning is often at odds with the need to assess and document. As we evolve in our educational practices, learner-centered educators are working to make grading and assessment more reflective of the learning that is happening and identify where the learner is in their journey. One of the best methods of doing this is listening to learners and centering them in the process.

In this week’s issue of Bright Spots, I want to highlight the work Next Generation Learning Challenges is doing to support these shifts in practices.

With Gratitude,
Katie

BRIGHT SPOT OF THE WEEK

Measuring What Matters Most

NGLC created a Full Spectrum of Evidence Toolkit which is a fabulous guide for schools and districts to focus on what matters most. There are so many great resources in this toolkit, but I specifically want to highlight the catalog of student voices and their perspectives on their own learning journey and the impact.

In the intro of the catalog, they share:

“Listen to these voices of young people reflecting on their learning. Listen for agency. Listen for self-knowledge. Listen for belonging. Listen for mastery. Listen for purpose. Listen for the values and aspirations your own community holds for your children.

These constructs are not easy to measure, but they are what matter most for long term success. Student-centered evidence invites us to measure what we value, rather than valuing what is easiest to measure.”

— Full Spectrum Senior Personalized Learning Audio Catalog

I encourage you to check out this toolkit, listen to these learners, and then use the tools and resources provided to gather input and perspectives from learners in your own learning community.

Interested in discussing how you can center student perspectives in your assessment process? Let's connect!

RESOURCE ROUNDUP

Below are some resources to help you measure what matters in your assessment process.

2. Innovative models as solutions. Interested in learning more about the learner-centered framework for reimagining assessment? Read more from Devin Vodicka,Invention opportunity: Measuring What Matters.

3. Accelerating Learning for Equity. Join Educate Texas, Getting Smart and Learner-Centered Collaborative on September 24 at 9:00 am PT to discuss shifting the narrative and mindset from learning loss to accelerated learning. Register here. 

LET'S SHARE OUR BRIGHT SPOTS!

How are you working to measure what matters most in your learning community?
Use #LCBrightSpots to share your experiences on social media!

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